GEMFIBROZIL
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING GEMFIBROZIL.
GEMFIBROZIL - ORAL (jem-FYE-broh-zill)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Gemcor, Lopid
USES:
GEMFIBROZIL is used to lower high cholesterol and/or triglyceride
levels in the blood. High levels of cholesterol or triglycerides may
block the blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. For
best results, GEMFIBROZIL must be used along with an exercise
program and a low-cholesterol, low-fat . diet.
HOW TO TAKE GEMFIBROZIL:
Take GEMFIBROZIL as prescribed. It is usually taken 30 minutes
before your morning or evening meals. It may take a few weeks to
months before the full effects of GEMFIBROZIL are noticed.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, skin
rash, or unusual tiredness may occur during the first few days as
your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or
become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you
experience muscle pain, weakness, fever, chills, or severe stomach
pain with nausea and vomiting while taking GEMFIBROZIL. If
GEMFIBROZIL makes you dizzy or lightheaded, avoid driving or
engaging in activities requiring alertness. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or gallbladder, kidney, or
liver disease. If you take insulin or oral diabetes medication, your
dose may need to be changed because gemfibrozil may, in some
instances, increase the amount of sugar in your blood. Ask your
doctor if you need to change your dose. GEMFIBROZIL should be used
only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor. It is not known if gemfibrozil passes
into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Before you take gemfibrozil, tell your doctor of any
over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially
anticoagulants ("blood thinners") and lovastatin. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately.
NOTES:
Your doctor may periodically perform lab tests during treatment to
evaluate the effectiveness of the medication. Know what your
cholesterol level is and understand what it means. Your doctor,
pharmacist or nutritionist can provide you with valuable
information. Do not allow anyone else to take GEMFIBROZIL.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at controlled room temperature 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees
C), away from light and moisture.
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